Unveiling your future: Career opportunities with a Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) course from Curtin University Malaysia

By Josfirin Uding Rangga

Our actions have a significant impact not only on ourselves but also on the people around us and the environment. It is crucial for us to prioritise Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) in our daily life. The term ‘HSE’ is commonly used across various industries and is a critical aspect of any workplace. With increasing awareness of workplace safety, environmental issues, and health challenges around the globe, HSE practices have become essential for keeping workers safe, protecting our planet, and ensuring the well-being of communities everywhere. These practices not only promote sustainable growth but also lay the foundation for creating safer, healthier, and more resilient societies. It encompasses the identification of potential hazards, the assessment of risks, and the implementation of measures to avert accidents and injuries.

The components of HSE include: 

  • Health: A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely absence of disease or infirmity (World Health Organization [WHO], 2025) 
  • Safety: The condition of being secure from harm, injury, or danger (Merriam-Webster, 2025) 
  • Environment: The combination of elements whose complex interrelationships shape the settings, surroundings and conditions of life of the individual and of society, as they are or as they are felt (European Environment Agency, 2025).

Curtin Malaysia’s Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) course is a leading program that seamlessly integrates academic rigour with practical knowledge. Recognised for its comprehensive curriculum and industry-focused methodology, the course prepares students with the expertise needed to tackle intricate issues in occupational safety, environmental sustainability, and health management challenges. What sets this course apart are its advanced facilities, experiential training opportunities, and robust industry collaborations that guarantee students are thoroughly equipped for real-life situations. Offered under the Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences at Curtin Malaysia, this Bachelor of Science in Health, Safety, and Environment spans three years, including six months of industrial training.

The scope of HSE

Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) is a multidisciplinary field covering: 

  • Occupational safety: It focuses on minimising workplace hazards, preventing injuries, and fostering a culture of safety in organisations. 
  • Environmental management: It addresses the sustainable use of resources, pollution control, and ecosystem preservation. 
  • Public health: It emphasises safeguarding community health through initiatives that mitigate health risks and promote well-being. 

HSE professionals play a crucial role in industries worldwide ensuring regulatory compliance, driving sustainable practices, and prioritising employee safety and health. In an era increasingly focused on environmental sustainability and workplace accountability, their expertise is indispensable for navigating complex challenges, achieving operational excellence, and promoting societal and environmental well-being. 

Where can an HSE course from Curtin Malaysia take you?

Curtin Malaysia’s internationally recognised HSE qualifications open door to a world of opportunities. Graduates are equipped with advanced knowledge and practical skills, making them highly sought after by industries worldwide for their abilities to drive safety, sustainability, and health initiatives.

Specialised fields and career pathways

Graduates can excel in diverse industries, such as: 

  • Oil and gas: Roles such as safety managers, risk assessors, and compliance officers ensure operational safety in this high-stakes sector. 
  • Construction and manufacturing: Workplace safety specialists and environmental coordinators promote safer environments and eco-friendly practices. 
  • Environmental agencies: Sustainability consultants and environmental auditors play pivotal roles in driving green initiatives and monitoring environmental performance. 
  • Corporate sector: HSE experts in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) teams support sustainable operations and community engagement goals. 
  • Healthcare and research: Public health safety advisors and environmental health researchers address emerging health and safety challenges. 
  • Entrepreneurship: With their expertise, graduates can establish consultancy or training firms, offering tailored HSE solutions to businesses. 

Job prospects

Potential roles include:

  • HSE trainer and educator
  • Health and safety environment officer
  • Health and safety officer
  • Health and safety coordinator
  • Chemical risk assessment
  • HSE standards auditor
  • HSE consultant
  • Environmental health specialist
  • Industrial hygienist
  • Waste management specialist
  • Occupational health advisor

Rising demand for HSE professionals

The demand for HSE professionals is steadily growing due to global trends, including climate change, heightened workplace safety awareness, and stricter environmental regulations. Organisations prioritise compliance, sustainability, and employee well-being, increasing the need for skilled HSE experts to navigate these complex requirements. HSE professionals are vital for addressing emerging challenges, maintaining efficiency, and promoting a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future. 

Pathway to the ‘Green Book’

Graduates from Curtin Malaysia’s HSE program must complete a recognised Safety and Health Officer (SHO) course conducted by a training provider (e.g., National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)) approved by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia (DOSH). Students can attend the course after completing their degree. After completing the SHO course, they can submit the required documents to DOSH (refer to the DOSH website for details).

Upon approval, the Green Book is issued. Graduates need three years of practical experience to qualify for the SHO exam, and passing the exam would certify them as Safety and Health Officers. 

What makes Curtin Malaysia’s HSE course unique?

  • Industry-relevant curriculum: Developed with industry leaders to ensure that students acquire the practical skills and knowledge needed to address real-world challenges. 
  • Hands-on training: Internships, case studies, and project-based learning provide valuable and immersive experience that prepares students for the workforce. 
  • Global recognition: Accreditation by the Australian Institute of Health and Safety (AIHS), Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (UK) (IOSH), and Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). 
  • Supportive ecosystem: Access to comprehensive career services, a robust alumni network, and extensive industry connections build strong professional pathways.

Curtin Malaysia’s HSE program stands as a gateway to a fulfilling and impactful career. By equipping graduates with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience needed to excel, the program prepares them to thrive in diverse industries and global markets. In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, workplace safety, and environmental stewardship, the demand for skilled HSE professionals continues to grow.

Curtin Malaysia’s emphasis on industry relevance, global recognition, and hands-on training ensure that its graduates are not only prepared to meet this demand but also stand out in a competitive job market. Choosing this program means taking a decisive step toward becoming a leader in the field of HSE and contributing meaningfully to a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future.

References:

  1. European Environment Agency. (2025). Environment. European Enviro. https://www.eea.europa.eu/help/glossary/gemet-environmental-thesaurus/environment 
  2. Merriam-Webster. (2025). Safety. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/safety 
  3. World Health Organization [WHO]. (2025). Constitution. WHO. https://www.who.int/about/governance/constitution